WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240714 – 012 July 17, 2024 Date: Subject:Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation on Austin Water’s Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025- 2029) as required by Financial Policy Number 8. Seconded By: Commissioner Judy Musgrove Motioned By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission approved the attached report listing Austin Water Capital Improvement projects for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025-2029). Description of Recommendation to Council See attached memo and report from Austin Water to Boards and Commissions, dated March 30, 2024 Rationale: The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW presented the new growth-related projects to the following Commissions as set forth in the ordinance, with the following outcomes: • • June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. Water and Wastewater Commission Vote taken July 17, 2024: For: Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Mike Reyes, Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Sabrina Reichert, Commissioner Sam Angoori, Vice-Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) …
Date: July 17, 2024 WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717 – 014 Subject: Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation of Austin Water’s FY 2024- 2025 Proposed Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion Seconded By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Description of Recommendation to Council The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Rationale: The Water and Wastewater Commission reviewed a report from the Commission’s Budget Committee regarding Austin Water’s Financial Forecast as a basis for Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The Commission also received a briefing from Austin Water staff on July 17, 2024 on Austin Water’s Proposed FY 2024-2025 Proposed budget. Vote For: Vice-Chair Judy Musgrove, Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Chris Maxwell-Gaines Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Chair Susan Turrieta Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, the City Council Message Board is running on software whose last major update was in 2007, the time before smartphones. The software is named “phpBB”, where “BB” stands for “bulletin board”, a technology from the era of dial-up modems. WHEREAS, Austin is known as a technology city. We are home to leading hardware companies like IBM, NXP, AMD, and Samsung. WHEREAS, Austin has a significant presence of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, and Meta and Indeed. WHEREAS, Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the top technology universities in the world. WHEREAS, Technology is part of Austin’s brand and our city’s government should be using the most modern applications available. WHEREAS, the city council message boards of Port Aransas and Amarillo are using WordPress, a newer software than Austin’s. WHEREAS, there is a new generation of collaboration software based on instant messaging and designed with smartphones in mind. This includes such proprietary apps such as Slack and Discord, as well as open-source alternatives like Zulip and Matrix. This innovative technology is being used by the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations to communicate and collaborate. WHEREAS, our Mayor, Kirk Watson, when in the Texas Senate, authored and championed changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The addition of Section 551.006 to the Texas Government Code permits government bodies to use online real-time communication that is visible to the public. Thus enabling the Austin City Council Message Board which now has thousands of posts and millions of views. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions play an important role in city government. They are vital in adjudication, monitoring rights, monitoring the environment, and oversight of critical industries. They improve Austin by cherishing amenities, fostering the arts, and providing expert advice to City Council and serve as the inclusive interface for communities that are often overlooked by the government. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions do not have message boards and, therefore, still suffer under the restrictive provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act prior to the addition of Section 551.006 by then Senator Kirk Watson. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends the City of Austin: 1. Research and implement modern technology solutions for the current City Council Message Board. 2. …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Acting Chair Jesse Penn called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Jesse Penn, Judy Musgrove, Shwetha Pandurangi Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Sam Angoori, Sabrina Reichert, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laneta Cooper registered to speak on Item 15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori, and Maxwell-Gaines absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Penn recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on Santiago, TxDot APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 3, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on July 3, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. Commissioner Qureshi was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and make a recommendation regarding investments the City should fund as part of Council Resolution 20240215-025: Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioner Haris Qureshi Item taken with item 4. 1 2. 3. 4. Discuss and make a recommendation in support of adding a Climate Fee to address funding for the Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended at the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioners Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, and David Sullivan A motion in support of the Environmental Investment Plan and a climate fee was made on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second. An amendment to add a recommendation for a citizen advisory bond committee was made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. An amendment to keep the 2025 date in Commissioner Cofer’s amendment failed on a 1-5 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted in favor. Commissioners Schiera, Brimer, Sullivan, Bristol, and Cofer voted against. Commissioners Qureshi and Bedford abstained. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The amendment to add a recommendation for a Citizen Advisory Bond Committee made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi passed on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The original motion with Commissioner Cofer’s amendment passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Krueger requested a presentation on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, with a recommendation, seconded by Bedford. Secretary Bristol asked for …
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (9), Michael Nahas (4), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Rodrigo Cantu (5), Amy Rister (6) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Amy Noel (7), Laura Dixon (Mayor), Christiana Ponder (1) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. The motion to approve the creation of the Global Business Expansion working group with Commissioners Rister (group chair), Nahas, and Hitchingham, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 1 3. 4. 5. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. The motion to approve the Redevelopment working group with Commissioners Osta Lugo (group chair) and Cantu, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. The motion to approve the Small Business working group with Commissioners Valdez Sanchez (group chair) and Gonzales, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Gonzales’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET TO: SF-3 DISTRICT: 5 CASE: C14-2024-0089 (7900 Persimmon Trail) ADDRESS: 7900 Persimmon Trail ZONING FROM: MH SITE AREA: .2441 acres (10,633.93 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Anna Cecilia Berry AGENT: Texas Permitting Solutions (Shae Willard) CASE MANAGER: Beverly Villela (512-978-0740, Beverly.Villela@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends SF-3, Family Residence District, zoning. See the Basis of Recommendation section below. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: July 16, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is an undeveloped lot within the Greenleaf Estates subdivision. The Greenleaf Estates and the Brownleaf Estates, the adjacent subdivision to the north, are manufactured home subdivisions and were zoned mobile home residence (MH) district in the mid-1980s. Some of the lots contain one or more manufactured homes, and other lots have single family residence or two-family residence uses. In this case, the applicant has requested SF-3 zoning to build a single-family residence. Staff is recommending the Family Residence (SF-3) district zoning. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. C14-2023-0000 2 The Family residence (SF-3) district is the designation for a moderate density single- family residential use and a duplex use on a lot that is a minimum of 5,750 square feet. An SF-3 district designation may be applied to a use in an existing single-family neighborhood with moderate sized lots or to new development of family housing on lots that are 5,750 square feet or more. Up to three units are permitted under single- family residential development standards. Zoning changes should promote compatibility with adjacent and nearby uses. 2. The staff supports the applicant’s request because the property is located in an area that is developed with a mixture of manufactured homes, single family residences, and two-family residences. The SF-3 zoning district would be compatible and consistent with the surrounding uses and there are existing SF-3 and SF-2-CO zoned properties located to the north and east that are currently developed with single- family residential uses. In addition, many of the manufactured homes in this area have been enclosed with framed facades making it difficult to recognize them as manufactured homes and not single family structures. LAND USES Undeveloped Manufactured Home, Single-Family Residences Undeveloped Undeveloped, Single-Family Residences Manufactured Home MH ZONING MH, SF-2-CO EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Site North MH, SF-3 South MH East …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 2 TO: GR-MU-V-DB90 CASE: C14-2024-0047– 8501 S. 1st Street ADDRESS: 8501 South 1st Street ZONING FROM: DR SITE AREA: 7.459 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Mae Katherine Rich Clay AGENT: Drenner Group PC (Leah Bojo) CASE MANAGER: Marcelle Boudreaux (512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant community commercial – mixed use – vertical mixed use building – density bonus 90 (GR-MU-V-DB90) combining district zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION/ RECOMMENDATION: July 16, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: In December 2023, Ordinance No. 20220609-080, Ordinance No. 20221201-056 and Ordinance No. 20221201-055 were invalidated. On March 11, 2024, Ordinance No. 20240229-073, was enacted to create the “DB90” combining district, which amended City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants 30 feet in height above the base zoning district, to a maximum of 90 feet, and modifies site development regulations including compatibility standards. C14-2024-0047 Page 2 CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject rezoning area is approximately 7.459 acres and is developed with a modest industrial warehouse and four single-family residential buildings but is primarily undeveloped. The rezoning area is situated at the east side of S. 1st Street, just north of the intersection with Ralph Ablanedo Drive and less than half a mile north of its intersection with Slaughter Lane. S. 1st Street is a level 3 mobility corridor, and the site is located equidistant walking distance two stops for Cap Metro bus route 10, with high frequency access to downtown. This portion of S. 1st Street is identified as an Imagine Austin Corridor, with growth and new development focused along such corridors per the plan. Development on the east side of S. 1st Street is mostly undeveloped to the immediate north (DR) and further north a vacant Construction sales and service use (MF-4-CO). There is a Religious facility use and Childcare service use to the south (IP-CO). To the east is a Fire station and Police station, with access from Ralph Ablanedo Drive (P). Across S. 1st Street to the west is Single family residential use and Multifamily residential (SF-2; MF-2-CO). Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map), A-1 (Aerial View). The Applicant proposes to rezone the property to the community commercial – mixed use – vertical mixed use building – density bonus 90 (GR-MU-V-DB90) combining district for a mixed use development that will …
May 16, 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Ryan Taylor Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Variance Case Information Austin, TX 78735 (512)-646-2237 ryan.taylor@kimley-horn.com 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Address or Location 10095 E US HWY-290 SVRD Environmental Reviewer Name David Michael Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name N/A Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Watershed Protection Ordinance Gilleland Creek ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 May 16, 2024 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ☐ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone ☐ Yes ☐ No Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway 373’ Water and Wastewater service to be provided by City of Austin The variance request is as follows: Request 25-8-341 - to allow cut exceeding eight (8) feet on Lot 3 of this development. This lot proposes 62,889 square feet of cut over 8 feet with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Impervious cover Existing Existing Proposed Proposed Overall Lot 3 Overall Lot 3 square footage: ____0____ _0____ 1,525,471 682,585 acreage: percentage: ____0____ __0____ 35.02 15.67 ____0____ __0____ 54.7 72.3 Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The overall 290 Parmer Industrial development is a 64.04 Acre industrial warehouse development located at 10095 E US 290 SVRD EB, Austin, Texas 78653. The 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 site is Lot 3 (21.67 acres) of this development. The existing site is currently undeveloped. Elevation on the site varies from 583 at the Southwest corner down to 511 at the Northeast corner. The existing site has small trees and vegetation, particularly in the Critical Water Quality Zone; but does not include any heritage trees. Approximately 7.80 Acres of the property is in a Critical Water Quality zone and 3.47 Acres of the property is in the 100-year floodplain. City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 May 16, 2024 Clearly indicate in what way the proposed project does not comply with current Code (include maps and exhibits) FINDINGS OF FACT The proposed site …
MEMORANDUM ****************************************************************************** 06/21/2024 David Michael Development Services Department Hank Smith, Chair Zoning and Platting Commission Members SP-2023-0401C - 290 Parmer Industrial Environmental Commission Recommendation TO: FROM: DATE: RE: ****************************************************************************** The motion to approve the requested variances failed to receive the minimum necessary Environmental Commission votes. Consequently, no motion was approved by the Environmental Commission for the 290 Parmer Industrial variance requests (item number 4, June 5, 2024, Environmental Commission meeting) and the variances are presented with no recommendation. The motion to recommend the requested variances with conditions failed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 4-3 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Nickells, Qureshi, Einhorn, and Sullivan. Those voting nay were Commissioners Bristol, Brimer, and Krueger. Commissioner Bedford abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent.
290 PARMER INDUSTRIAL - 2 10095 E US 290 HWY SP-2023-0401C David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Council District 1 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION LOCATION View from south looking west View from south looking north LOCATION 2 ft elevation contour lines Critical Water Quality Zones VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet. 2. Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. GRADING VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Grading is a design decision, but the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION AND CONDITIONS The required landscape plan will be supplemented with the establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes, an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, and larger tree sizes planted. • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area • 50 additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 5, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 SP-2023-0401C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. LOCATION: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 512-974-2263 david.michael@austintexas.gov Gilleland Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. The required landscape plan will be supplemented with an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, larger tree sizes planted, and establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes: • 50 Additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area Page 2 of 2 STAFF CONDITION: Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege or the safety of property given to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes. The use of the proposed warehouses requires extensive areas of uniform finished floor elevations as is typical for shipping and receiving facilities. Cut in the existing grades over eight feet is needed to allow for the level finished-floor elevations and level loading docks, to maintain drives at minimal grades necessary for truck maneuverability, and to allow ADA access. The site plan proposes two warehouses with truck courts on a 21.6-acre lot that has no natural occurring slopes over 15 percent, requiring cut up to 14.2 feet in depth, and fill up to 15.2 feet in depth. The Land Use Commission has frequently approved variances for cut and fill over eight feet in depth for warehouse projects in the Desired Development Zone. Examples of similar projects include: Applied Materials Logistics Service Center, …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION July 16, 2024 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. AGENDA GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Alison Silverstein Vacant Vacant 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on June 18, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of capacity-based incentives to Eanes Independent School District, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 2 Walsh Tarlton Lane, 304 Camp Craft Road, 1300 Walsh Tarlton Lane, 1201 S Capital of Texas HWY NB, in an amount not to exceed $848,830. 3. Recommend approval of a recommendation postponing the evaluation of a possible sale of Austin Energy’s district heating and cooling plant. 4. Recommend approval of the Annual Internal Review of the Resource Management Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322- 6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com . 5. Recommend approval of a recommendation for a centralized landing page on the City of Austin website for utility provider income-based assistance and conservation incentive programs. 6. Staff …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of capacity-based incentives to Eanes Independent School District, for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 2 Walsh Tarlton Lane, 304 Camp Craft Road, 1300 Walsh Tarlton Lane, 1201 S Capital of Texas HWY NB, in an amount not to exceed $848,830. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $848,830 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 15, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. July 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue these capacity-based incentives (CBI) to the Customer for the installation of solar electric systems at their facilities to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the combined system sizes, costs, proposed incentives, and environmental benefits: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in tons Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in pounds Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) in pounds Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of Cars on Austin Roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added 943 783 1,371,105 $1,646,282 $848,830 52% 613 686 960 1,422,274 132 9,195 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator 649 Eanes Independent School District (ISD) is comprised of six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, and one adult transition services program. Eanes ISD serves approximately 7,800 students. Proposed Solar Projects Incentive Rate ($/W) System Cost Austin Energy Incentive Generation kWh/yr System Size kW DC System Size kW AC Energy Offset $0.90 $317,467 $163,687 260,549 151 74% $0.90 $203,179 $104,760 173,146 97 124% $0.90 $526,258 $271,341 440,861 250 97% 182 117 302 $0.90 $599,378 $309,042 496,549 344 285 80% Site Address 2Walsh Tarlton Ln Austin, TX, 78746 304 Camp Craft Rd West Lake Hills, TX, 78746 1300 Walsh Tarlton Ln Austin, TX, 78746 1201 …
RESOLUTION TO POSTPONE AUSTIN ENERGY’S EVALUATION OF SALE OF DISTRICT CHILLING SYSTEM WHEREAS, Austin Energy is proposing to hire a firm to organize the possible sale of its district chilling system; and WHEREAS, this proposal was not discussed with community stakeholders in advance of its consideration by the Austin City Council; and WHEREAS, it is possible that sale of the system could adversely affect peak demand and energy efficiency in over 60 large Austin buildings or building complexes; and WHEREAS, it is possible that this proposal could adversely affect the costs of district chilling customers; and WHEREAS, district chilling did not exist in Austin outside of the University of Texas before the commissioning of Austin Energy’s system; and WHEREAS, the legal ability to sell the system may require a public vote; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the Austin City Council to delay the proposal until it is more thoroughly reviewed by stakeholders in the community.
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: A. Maintain an overview of all programs, studies and proposals concerning the efficient use of energy, alternate energy technologies, renewable energy resources, including solar and wind, and the conservation of energy, excluding the use of conventional coal, nuclear, natural gas, or petroleum technologies. B. Serve as a liaison with other city commissions, including the Electric Utility C. Receive citizen input on alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and on Commission. energy conservation. D. Review and analyze: 1. energy conservation technologies and renewable energy sources as to their short- term and long-term feasibility in the city; 2. energy conservation policies, alternate energy technologies, and renewable energy projects in other cities and states; 3. water conservation policies, alternate technologies, and water conservation projects in other cities and states; and 4. City Code to identify potential amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy. 1. in developing and reviewing city plans and programs in the area of alternate energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy conservation. 2. as to available funding from private and public sources which are available to the city for alternate energy technologies and renewable energy, and for the conservation of energy; 3. on energy conservation, on alternate energy technologies, and on renewable energy sources and report to City Council on the status of its activities at least annually; E. Advise the City Council: Resource Management Commission Annual Review and Work Plan 2023-2024 4. in developing and reviewing city plans and programs that encourage water conservation as it relates to water consumption from the tap to customer and within structures or building; and, 5. regarding appropriate City Code amendments that encourage the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and the conservation of energy. F. Encourage: 1. 2. the conservation of energy, the use of alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources in City-owned facilities; and the private and public sectors to develop and to use alternate energy technologies and renewable energy sources, and to conserve energy 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. The Resource Management Commission (RMC) …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. _________ Resolution on Centralized Utility Assistance and Incentives Landing Page for City of Austin Website WHEREAS, Travis County Health and Human Services estimated that 25% of county residents were living below 200% of the poverty level in 2020; and WHEREAS, Austin Water, Austin Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Texas Gas Service, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy and other utility providers offer low-income assistance programs to customers in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, demand-side reductions are needed to meet the goals of the 2035 Austin Energy Resource Generation and Climate Protection Plan, and the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, Austin Water, Austin Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Texas Gas Service, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy and other utility providers offer conservation incentive programs to customers in the Austin area to conserve water and energy usage; and WHEREAS, assistance and incentive programs for electricity, water, natural gas, and other utility services are sometimes difficult for ratepayers to locate unless they are already familiar with them; and WHEREAS, a landing page on the City of Austin website containing direct links to utility provider low-income assistance and conservation incentive programs would be a valuable service to the community at very little cost. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Resource Management Commission recommend to the Austin City Council that the City's web sites for various utility assistance and conservation programs be merged to create a one-stop, centralized, user-friendly portal to help customers access all forms of utility assistance; and LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommend to the Austin City Council that the centralized portal include links to utility assistance and conservation programs managed by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Texas Gas Service, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy and other utility providers serving Austin customers.